Racing Magpie

Racing Magpie uses experiences and backgrounds in Native arts to help strengthen the Rapid City community and the art world. They offer a wide range of services to assist artists, collectors, and arts and culture organizations. In supporting the creative and innovative projects and artists in the region/nation, they believe artists will build bridges for communities to be strengthened and social and racial divides to shrink. Racing Magpie offers a modern Native art gallery, affordable artist studios for Native and non-Native artists, art classrooms, and an overall creative space.

Mary V. Bordeaux and Peter J. Strong are the owners of Racing Magpie and have been supporting Native artists for more than 25 years combined in Pine Ridge, West River, nationally, and internationally. They desire to create a modern Native gallery that supports artists and art organizations. The community led them to their current home, the historic Aby's Feed and Seed building.

Why East of 5th?:

“The creative vibe and closeness to downtown is perfect for us. Additionally, it is important for us to be accessible to neighborhoods that are not historically included in the arts and cultural activities of the city like North Rapid and Lakota Homes. These are a short ride away, and we welcome creative interactions between all neighborhoods."

The East of 5th District in Downtown Rapid City, South Dakota, is a community-led, community-driven nonprofit built on the idea that when we exchange ideas, share resources and strengthen partnerships among one another, communities flourish.